Ron DeSantis gets $50,000 donation from Orlando Magic – but Larry Nance Jr. of Pelicans rips NBA club over Florida governor’s claim that slaves ‘developed skills for their benefit’

A $50,000 political contribution to Ron DeSantis has put the Orlando Magic at odds with at least one NBA player.

New Orleans Pelicans power forward Larry Nance Jr. tore the donation over DeSantis’ “anti-woke” public school curriculum that teaches high school students that enslaved people “developed skills that could, in some cases, be applied for their personal benefit.”

“So the @OrlandoMagic who have a mostly black roster, a black head coach and a black GM decided it was a good idea to support a man who claims that slavery has personal benefits for the enslaved people?” asked Nance on Twitter.

The team defended the donation in a statement this week, claiming it was not a presidential contribution: “For clarification, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. It was given as a Florida corporation in support of a Florida Governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.”

The donation also caught the attention of the players’ union, the NBPA, which issued a statement on Thursday.

Nance disagrees with DeSantis’ plan to teach children about the positive aspects of slavery

Nancy Jr. ripped the donation over DeSantis’ “anti-woke” public school curriculum

“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given the recent comments and beneficiary policies,” the union statement began.

NBA governors, players and staff have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements. However, when contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, with money earned through the labor of its employees, it is the responsibility of the team managers to consider the differing values ​​and perspectives of staff and players.

“The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient.”

While the Magic has participated in progressive league initiatives such as the “NBA Green” campaign and “Pride” night, the team’s late owner, Richard DeVos, was an unashamedly conservative until his death at age 92 in 2018. The co-founder of billionaire Amway supported Republican candidates such as Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich and was active in the fight against same-sex marriage.

Betsy, DeVos’ surviving daughter-in-law, was also a former secretary of education to President Donald Trump and implemented many conservative education policies despite liberal protests during her tenure.

Now it’s DeSantis defending his education record.

He has repeatedly defended the new teaching language regarding slavery, while insisting that his critics Intentionally misinterpreting the policy.

The 30-year-old has two seasons and $21 million left on his current contract

Civil rights leaders who have kept a close eye on DeSantis reject such statements.

“DeSantis has perfected the art of using policy force that we must stop,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. His organization issued a Florida travel advisory in May warning African Americans about DeSantis’ “aggressive efforts to erase black history and limit diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida schools.”

The divisive debate highlights the political and practical risks of DeSantis’ approach to racial issues as he attempts to reset his struggling campaign and the Republican Party attempts to cement its dismal position with voters of color.

Nance has not been particularly outspoken politically.

The son and namesake of the former Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers star, the younger Nance has built a reputation as a hard-working, athletic power forward over stints with four NBA teams.

The 30-year-old has two seasons and $21 million left on his current contract.